Goldwork Embroidery
Discover the artistry of goldwork embroidery in this immersive workshop exploring both its rich history and contemporary application in fashion. You’ll gain insight into how designers draw inspiration from traditional techniques and adapt them into modern garment design. Led by couture embroidery expert Mary Brown — a graduate of the prestigious Royal School of Needlework in the UK — this session offers a rare opportunity to learn from a highly skilled practitioner.
What You’ll Learn
In this workshop, you’ll develop an understanding of goldwork materials and techniques while building practical skills in creating decorative embroidery. You’ll learn how to handle and apply metal threads, explore different stitching methods, and begin developing your own design approach.
This workshop is best suited to students with some hand-sewing skills. Complete beginners are advised to start with Surface Stitches workshop.
What to Expect
This is a small, hands-on class with plenty of one-on-one guidance from Mary. You’ll work through a series of practical samples, exploring different goldwork techniques and materials while building a personal reference to take home. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a collection of stitched samples that demonstrate key methods and support your future embroidery projects.
A curated workshop kit is provided, including gold threads, padding materials, chip work board, threads and needles. Students will need to bring a hoop, clamp, and basic sewing supplies — these can be purchased from CAFA, with details provided upon enrolment.
Classes & Cost
Cost: $435 (includes materials)
Format: 12-hour workshop, 2 days
9:30am – 4:00pm (30-minute lunch break)
Upcoming 2026 dates: 13 & 20 September, 2026
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Goldwork Embroidery | Workshop Summary
What is goldwork embroidery?
Goldwork is a highly refined embroidery technique used in couture and high-end textile design, characterised by the use of metallic threads to create structured, light-catching surfaces. Historically associated with ceremonial and luxury garments, goldwork continues to influence contemporary fashion through its ability to add dimension, precision, and impact.
What techniques will I learn?
You’ll be introduced to a selection of core goldwork techniques used in professional embroidery studios, each offering distinct design possibilities:
Couching – a foundational technique where metal threads are laid onto the fabric surface and secured with fine, almost invisible stitches, creating clean, controlled lines.
Padding – used to build relief and structure beneath embroidery, allowing you to create raised, sculptural forms.
Laid work – a method of placing threads across the surface and securing them at intervals to form linear or geometric compositions.
Cutwork – combines precision cutting with embroidery to produce sharp, defined shapes and open areas within a design.
Or Nué – a specialist technique where coloured threads are stitched over metal threads to introduce tone, pattern, and subtle shading.
Chipping – involves applying small fragments of metal thread to create dense texture and a highly reflective finish.
What does working with goldwork involve?
Goldwork demands a high level of control and attention to detail. The materials behave differently from standard embroidery threads, requiring careful handling and a considered, methodical approach. Through guided sampling, you’ll develop the precision needed to work confidently with these specialist materials.
How does this translate to contemporary practice?
Goldwork remains a key technique in couture embroidery, valued for its ability to create bold, dimensional embellishment. Whether applied to fashion, costume, or textile art, it offers a distinctive way to introduce structure, texture, and luminosity into your work.
How does this translate to contemporary practice?
Goldwork remains a key technique in couture embroidery, valued for its ability to create bold, dimensional embellishment. Whether applied to fashion, costume, or textile art, it offers a distinctive way to introduce structure, texture, and luminosity into your work.